Canon EOS Rebel T3 Review

Announced in February 2011 along with the more fully featured Rebel T3i, the EOS Rebel T3 slots into the middle of Canon’s entry-level DSLR lineup based on MSRP. The T3 features a 12.2 megapixel CMOS sensor and improved DIGIC 4 processor, a nine point auto focus (AF) system with a single center cross-point sensor and a 100-6400 ISO sensitivity range.

A 1280 x 720 HD video capability is on board and still image continuous shooting rates are up to 3 fps. The camera uses a 63 zone dual-layer metering system for exposure calculation and you can review your results on a 2.7-inch LCD monitor. The T3 offers a range of scene-specific shooting modes in addition to the obligatory manual modes, along with RAW, JPEG or RAW/JPEG image capture options.

Canon has also included a new EOS Feature Guide “…with an enhanced Quick Settings Screen that now includes detailed descriptions of camera settings. The EOS Feature Guide is designed to help first-time users and beginning enthusiasts better understand each camera setting with descriptions and guided recommendations for when to utilize certain settings. Along with an explanation of camera settings and modes, the Feature Guide includes easy-to-understand directions of how to use particular settings such as aperture adjustment in Canon’s Creative Auto mode.”

Memory media compatibility is SD/SDHC/SDXC. The T3 will be available as a kit, paired with Canon’s new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II zoom lens. Here’s the view at each end of that zoom:

Wide Angle

Telephoto

Canon includes an eyecup, camera strap, battery and charger, interface cable, basic printed user’s manual and CD-ROM software in each kit. The camera is also compatible with Canon’s full line of EF and EF-S lenses.

The T3 is coming with us on our drive to Florida for the last space shuttle launch, STS-135 with shuttle Atlantis. With the 18-55 as its only lens, the T3 will be spending launch day in the hotel, but we’ll find plenty of work for it coming and going from Cape Canaveral. So, off to Florida and Go Atlantis!